‘Hope is fading’: Grave concerns for Chris Baghsarian, 85, after bombshell discovery

The grim reason police believe 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian was snatched from his home by mistake has been revealed, after a bombshell update in the case.

The crooks behind the kidnapping of a Sydney grandfather sent a hostage video to the family they intended to target – but the family did not recognise the elderly frail victim, according to police sources.

Detectives are now working around the clock to bring the innocent 85-year-old home to his frantic family members, who have no involvement whatsoever with any organised crime.

It is understood the target family – who are believed to have links to Sydney’s drug underworld – shared the information with police because they did not recognise Chris Baghsarian, who was pinched from his home in North Ryde at 5am on Friday.

The intended target was instead a known criminal who had family members in the neighbourhood.

Detectives from State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad are continuing to conduct sustained, round-the-clock operations to locate Mr Baghsarian, a much-loved grandfather.

“Investigators remain fully committed to identifying all individuals connected to this matter and ensuring they are held to account,” a police spokesman said.

“Police continue to maintain regular contact with Mr Baghsarian’s family as the investigation progresses.”

Text messages allegedly between the kidnappers and the intended family seen by news.com.au say: “Dumb dumb error, how did use get the wrong house”.

In another text: “My old man would have blown your head off.”

Then: “Good luck, one of your team will give you up”.

Chris Baghsarian has now been missing for a week. Picture: NSW Police
Concern for Mr Baghsarian reached fever pitch when footage began circulating reportedly showing him being tortured.

A video made by the kidnappers appeared to show the grandfather’s face covered and his hands tied with duct tape.

There are also images circulating of the man’s finger being cut off.

The family has not received any ransom demand, police have confirmed.

On Friday, police revealed hopes of finding Mr Baghsarian alive were “fading”.

The fears come after a “makeshift stronghold” believed to have been used by the kidnappers was located in Sydney’s north west.

Officers raided the property on Wildthorn Ave, Dural – about 36km from the Sydney CBD – on Thursday evening, almost a week since Mr Baghsarian was taken.

Police say they believe the property had been used as a “makeshift stronghold” by Mr Baghsarian’s kidnappers.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said they did not find the missing man during the search, but were able to locate evidence “to suggest Mr Baghsarian was held there at some stage during the last seven days”.

Police at the Dural property on Friday morning. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

Investigators believe it was used as a “makeshift stronghold” by Mr Baghsarian’s kidnappers. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers
He said the property, located back from the street, was “derelict” and uninhabited.

“Nobody lives there,” he said.

While he could not confirm, Superintendent Marks said he believed the property had been vacant and abandoned for a “number of years”.

“What I can say is some old fashioned police work with boots on the ground, identified that location,” he said.

“It was a suspicious house amongst other properties in that area that led us to that premises.”

He said while police “won’t give up” on trying to find the elderly man alive, he said “hope is fading”.

“We have grave concerns for his safety, but we won’t give up trying to find him alive” he said.

Superintendent Marks said the elderly man’s family were “devastated” by the kidnapping.

“This is not the world they live in, it’s taken them by shock,” he said.

“They’re anxious, they’re devastated, and they want some answers. That is what we are here for today – to try and get them more answers,” he said.

“We are making inroads into this investigation. We really want to find Mr Baghsarian for them.”

He said the family “had not received a ransom (demand)”, and still believe the kidnappers have targeted the wrong person.

Police crews at the scene on Friday morning. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

Police have called the property a crime scene. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers
A significant police presence remains at the scene on Friday morning, including forensics teams and police dogs.

Police have labelled the property a crime scene.

“As police continue their intensive investigation to locate Mr Baghsarian and to identify and arrest those responsible for his kidnapping, they are appealing for further public assistance,” police said in a statement on Friday morning.

“Anyone who may have seen or heard anything relating to the kidnapping or witnessed any sort of suspicious activity in the Dural area since last Friday is urged to contact detectives.”

Police have urged any witnesses to come forward. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

Chris Baghsarian has been missing for a week. picture: 7News
Mr Baghsarian was snatched from his home in North Ryde shortly after 5am on February 13.

Police and his loved ones hold grave concerns for his safety, and believe the kidnappers took the wrong person as neither Mr Baghsarian nor his family have criminal connections.

In a statement released earlier this week, Mr Baghsarian’s family said his kidnapping felt surreal.

“Our family has been caught up in something that has nothing to do with us,” a statement read.

“Chris is a devoted father, brother, uncle and grandfather. He is deeply loved, gentle, and the kindest person we know – someone who would never hurt a fly.

“This is an extraordinarily distressing time, and we need space to support one another and focus on navigating what comes next.”

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon slammed the ‘disgraceful’ kidnapping. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short
Investigators have issued several public appeals for the elderly widower’s safe return, with NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon issuing a direct message to Mr Baghsarian’s captors on Tuesday.

“This incident is disgraceful,” he said.

“It is clearly a case of mistaken identity and it shows the disregard that those involved in organised crime have for individuals.

“The fact Mr Baghsarian has been taken and not returned at this stage, despite the fact we have been very clear that you have the wrong person – can I ask that you show some respect, show some dignity, and ensure Mr Baghsarian is returned to his family.”

Reports of disturbing images and video of the 85-year-old surfaced days after his kidnapping.

Disturbing images have surfaced in the past 24 hours. Picture: 7News

Police believe the 85-year-old is still alive. Picture: 7News
Images allegedly show the elderly man’s finger has been severed from his hand, with others reportedly showing him in the foetal position with his hands tied and tracksuit pants around his ankles.

Grainy CCTV footage from the morning of the kidnapping has also been released, showing two men getting out of a dark 4WD and approaching Mr Baghsarian’s home.

Two men, one in high-vis, approach Mr Baghsarian’s house. Picture: Supplied/9News

A burnt-out SUV was found in a nearby suburb. Picture: Supplied/9 News
The pair then push him towards the car before driving away.

A dark Toyota SUV believed to have been used in the kidnapping was later found burnt out in North Turramurra.

More to come